Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Public Works

2025 WARC Compactor Replacement

Compactor Update - Tuesday, November 18

The new compactor has experienced a failty part and is currently inoperable. Technicians will be on-site tomorrow morning to replace the part and should have the machine back up and running by the end of the day Wednesday, 11/19. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
 
the new compactor arriving by truck at the WARC

the new compactor at the warc being unloaded from its trailer

the new compactor being positioned into its resting place at the WARC

What to Expect Right Now

The facility will remain open, but customers may experience delays. The install will take one to two weeks.

During this time, the facility may experience longer than normal tipping wait times. 

Oversized items—such as boats, travel trailers, hot tubs—and large loads will not be accepted during this transition period. 

Recycling, Organics, and HazoHouse will not be affected during this transition period.

How to Prepare

During the project, customers are encouraged to:

  • Postpone trips, if possible.
  • Visit during slower hours.
heat map showing wait times at the waste and recovery center

  • Allow extra time for your visit.

Thurston County is taking multiple steps to minimize service disruptions. We will keep customers informed with frequent updates throughout the project.

About the Project

Thurston County currently operates with one garbage compactor at the facility. This machine has required frequent repairs and maintenance over the past few years. To improve reliability and increase capacity, the county will install a new compactor. 

The new machine — a SSI Shredding Systems 4500SPH Pre-load Compactor — weighs 176,000 pounds and provides 200 tons of compaction force. 

The hydraulic pumps on the new compactor have more power, improving efficiencies and compaction times. 

compactor at the factory

compactor at the factory

compactor at the factory